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Creamy Panera Loaded Broccoli Cheddar Bread Bowl Recipe Easy Copycat Guide

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A rich, creamy, and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup served in a hollowed sourdough bread bowl, replicating Panera’s iconic dish with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small (steamed or blanched)
  • 1 medium round sourdough bread loaf (6–7 inches diameter)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Steam or blanch in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the mixture and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a smooth paste.
  5. Slowly pour in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add 2 cups of whole milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Gradually add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and blended. Add more milk or broth if soup is too thick.
  8. Fold in steamed broccoli florets. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional smoked paprika or cayenne.
  9. Using a serrated knife, cut a circle on top of the sourdough loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1-inch thick wall.
  10. Ladle the creamy broccoli cheddar soup into the hollowed bread bowls. Serve immediately with the bread lid and reserved bread chunks for dipping.

Notes

Toast the inside of the hollowed bread bowl under the broiler for 1-2 minutes before adding soup to prevent sogginess. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Steam or blanch broccoli to keep it tender-crisp and vibrant. Melt cheese slowly on low heat to avoid separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, bread bowl, Panera copycat, creamy soup, comfort food, cheesy soup, broccoli soup, sourdough bread bowl

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-panera-loaded-broccoli-cheddar-bread-bowl-recipe-easy-copycat-guide/